#NEOM #SaudiArabia #Agriculture #GreenhouseTechnology #SustainableFarming #FoodSecurity #DutchGreenhouses #Innovation #ClimateResilience #UrbanFarming
In a groundbreaking collaboration, NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city, has partnered with Dutch greenhouse company Van Der Hoeven to transform its arid deserts into flourishing gardens. This ambitious endeavor aims to establish sustainable food production in a region challenged by water scarcity and extreme climate conditions. Through the implementation of advanced Dutch greenhouse technology, NEOM is set to revolutionize agriculture, ensuring food security for its future inhabitants.
NEOM, the city of the future, is striving to create a self-sustaining oasis amidst the harsh deserts of Saudi Arabia. To achieve this vision, NEOM has joined forces with Van Der Hoeven, a leading Dutch greenhouse company, to design and operate state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities covering 110,000 square-meters. This innovative urban farming solution aims to establish controlled climates for efficient and sustainable food production, addressing the challenges posed by the region’s climate.
According to the Washington Post, the Netherlands, despite its small size, stands as the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter. Utilizing highly efficient greenhouses, occupying approximately 24,000 acres, the Netherlands produces crops using just one-tenth of the land area required by traditional farming. Remarkably, Dutch farms use only half a gallon of water to grow about a pound of tomatoes, significantly lower than the global average of over 28 gallons.
Van Der Hoeven, contracted by NEOM, is a key player in this venture. The company, part of the Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD) foundation, specializes in designing, building, and operating horticultural infrastructure. They have successfully established large-scale modern greenhouses in challenging climates, such as the UAE, providing valuable expertise to the NEOM project.
NEOM’s collaboration with Van Der Hoeven signifies a monumental leap towards sustainable agriculture in desert regions. By harnessing Dutch greenhouse technology, NEOM aims to overcome the challenges of water scarcity and extreme climate conditions, ensuring a consistent and efficient food supply for its future population. This innovative approach not only transforms the landscape but also paves the way for similar initiatives globally, showcasing the power of technology in addressing food security challenges.